This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission.
A court in the southeastern Belarusian region of Homel sentenced activist Ivan Sukhamerau to 10 years in prison on April 8 on charges of taking part in an extremist group’s activities, financially supporting Ukraine’s armed forces, and planning to join the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment, consisting of Belarusian citizens who have been fighting alongside Ukrainian armed forces against occupying Russian troops.
Investigators also accused the 28-year-old activist of being a subscriber to “extremist” Telegram channels, spreading false information about authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka, and calling for international sanctions against Belarus.
